Uggg... now we are at another process I hate in the interview realm... writing a cover letter. Anyone have advice for me?
The Job:
*Provides administrative support for community engagement activities & programs (family host programs, mentor programs)
*Keeps a data base of participants & schedules meetings; maintains contact list, schedules meetings, coordinates e-mails and phone calls regarding programs, types reports, maintains files *Provides administrative support for logistics of visiting scholars, delegations and students (arrange hotel rooms, apartments, airport pickups, maintains log of available drivers) *Maintains IAC calendar of events *Purchases office supplies & makes on-line payments as needed
*Provides administrative support for admissions process (print out application materials from Nolijweb, create folders, contact students about missing documents)
*Provide administrative support preparing Optical Practical Training applications.
*Other duties as assigned
Why they should pick me:
I LOVE LOVE LOVE learning about other cultures. I adore learning languages and am semi-obsessive about Spanish. I make people feel loved and comfortable, and make them laugh to ease their anxiety. If I were the person who the students met, they would feel like they always had someone they could trust, and who they could come to when problems arose. My office would be a place where students would come to visit me, receive advice, and get a good laugh. How do I know? College students love my house!!! Why wouldn't they love my office?!
And professionally? I KICK BUTT! I can type 68 words per minute, I am OCD and can organize ANYTHING (including bins of movies and baby clothing, if my stress level is high enough!) , I have enough pent-up energy to power a small country, I am a computer nerd and know a ton about all the Microsoft programs, and I LOVE to shop online, even for office supplies! I have received compliments about my professionalism on the phone, my speed and accuracy on the computer, and my overall work ethic.
WHO THE HECK would not love me and want me in their office?!
Oh yeah... the person reading my cover letter. *sarcastic laugh* Here is what I have at this point:
Dear Sir or Madam:
Please consider me for the Student Services Assistant position. I have a genuine love of other cultures, and will make international students feel welcome and comfortable on the ****** campus.
The skills I have learned through the past nine years of clerical work will make me an asset to your office. I have a typing speed of 68 words per minute, and will perform your clerical tasks quickly and efficiently. I learn new tasks rapidly, and take great pride in my work.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Janet S. Myers
Ugggg... how boring and completely lacking in personality. Anyone have suggestions for improvement?
5 comments:
i sent you an email with my response...
Here's what I would suggest.
They want to know what of that list of specifics required for the job you have personally done. When you write your letter, tell them about the things you know how to do ONLY in regards to that company's specific needs. They could care less if you love other cultures, and are going to assume if you have experience you know how to type pretty fast already. What you want to do is sell YOU. Your specific strengths in regards to that company's specific needs. That's all they will want to know.
Hope that helps.
I think focusing on your passion for other cultures is a fantastic start! I wouldn't stop there of course but a lot of people try to fake enthusiasm for the job and yours comes across genuine. I like that. A combo of the professional and personal sounds good to me. Good luck!
Jana, as a veteran of typing up resumes for other people I can tell you to keep it short, sweet and to the point, in other words KISS - keep it simple stupid. People only want to know what you can and can't do. Keep it down to 1 to 2 pages maximum and putting in your interests, strengths and weaknesses is what employers want to know. Hope that helps, you sound like a very interesting person :-)
Jana, is a cover letter really required?
I do the hiring at my office and I pretty much ignore the cover letters and focus on the resume.
But that's just me.
Hopefully you will get more sound advice on how to compose a fun and professional cover letter.
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